Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation across the southeastern U.S., leaving entire communities in need of urgent assistance. Your donations are critical in supporting local United Ways as they provide immediate relief. To contribute, click here.
The power of United Way is right in the name. Our ability to unite donors, businesses, community groups, local government, and agency partners allows us to build a better region by creating change together. Here, our regions most thoughtful leaders will examine complex issues, share ideas and inspire action. Our methods are innovative. Our goals are achievable and measurable. Our voices are united.
Congratulations to our Giveback Games Champion, Schneider Downs, and all the amazing teams who took part in our event on Oct. 1. Here are the official scores. In total, 400 young professionals across 54 teams came together to compete in three thrilling challenges: United Way Kahoot, testing knowledge of United Way and our region; Donating for a Difference, where teams matched donation amounts with their impact and Piecing it Together, a fun and engaging jigsaw puzzle challenge. Special thanks to our sponsors Protiviti and Emerson for making Giveback Games possible.
Every day, more than 9,000 Americans turn 65, entering a new phase of life that offers unique challenges and opportunities. As this population grows rapidly, it’s clear that support and connection is needed. For some, after the initial honeymoon phase, a wide-open calendar can feel disorienting and disconnecting. Other women may approach retirement with fewer savings due to wage inequity and part-time work with career interruptions for family care, and suddenly find themselves in need of a new network to launch their own businesses.
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is committed to meeting people where they are. NextUP was created in response to feedback from women seeking meaningful connections and guidance as they navigate this new stage of life. (…)
By Monica Stanton
“You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.”
It’s one of my favorite quotes … and I believe it led me to my involvement with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
At First National Bank (FNB), our leadership team encourages us to be active members of our community. Thinking about that quote, I jumped at the idea to be a part of something bigger than myself and joined United Way’s Games for Good committee back in 2017.
When I got to the event, I realized it was only the beginning.
For the past 10 years, United Way staff, volunteers, agency partners and community members have come together to kick off summer at Build A Bike. We split into teams, strategize and get to work on building bikes to distribute to children across the region. The freedom that comes with their very own bike not only helps foster healthy habits, but also provides an outlet for physical activity and fun. Since starting this work a decade ago, United Way has provided 2,100 bikes to help students build for success in school and life.
This year’s Build A Bike took place over three days — June 12 to 14, 2024 — in parks across the region. Though nothing beats the look on a child’s face when they get a bike, we have seen many amazing moments at this iconic event throughout the years. Check out these 10 inspiring Build A Bike memories, impact stories and everything in between:
“Every year it amazes me to see the rows and rows of just-built bikes assembled on the hill. And each year the amount grows. Even without the kids there, you can just picture the glee they’ll feel when they get their brand-new bike. The feeling is unmatched.” (…)
By Eric Trow
When times are good, families in southwestern Pennsylvania trust their community physicians to provide the regular checkups and sound medical advice to keep their families physically healthy. And when routine injuries and illness occur, they also count on the physician’s specialized expertise. But what about when catastrophic things happen—when a single event or medical emergency impacts both the physical and financial health of a family? Many still turn to those same medical professionals for trusted guidance.
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania recently took steps to make it easier for physicians to lead their patients to the support they need. Thanks to the proactive efforts of Dr. Don Vigliotti, a retired pediatrician, current United Way board member and active volunteer, more pediatricians now know about a vital United Way resource program called PA211 Southwest. (…)
By: Ana Kay Yaghoubian, Director, Building for Success in School and Life
Summer break brings the need for summer programs that keep kids engaged and give parents peace of mind that their kids are safe while they are at work. Since 2020, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Welcome Back Sumer funding opportunity has supported summer programs across the region. This year, with generous support from our funding partners, $1 million will be invested in summer programs across the region, deepening our commitment to building for success in school and life.
Welcome Back Summer is an opportunity to consistently assess the needs of our partners. With the data collected we use our resources to address those needs so our agency partners can focus on feeding, clothing and educating their community’s kids in an emotionally safe space.
This year, program staff at Welcome Back Summer locations are gearing up to deepen their expertise in culturally affirming social and emotional learning, (SEL) which supports student’s self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and decision-making. Research shows that SEL improves academic performance as well as skills, attitudes, and behaviors, such as student self-efficacy, self-esteem, mindset, perseverance, and optimism, among others. (…)
By Ana Kay Yaghoubian, Director, Building for Success in School and Life and Brittany Boyd, Communications & Social Media Coordinator
Clark Cekus, a student at Bethel Park High School, dreams of joining the Air Force. The STEM School Champions program powered by Arconic is giving him a head start on this dream, offering valuable hands-on experience with scientific technology and laying a solid foundation for his future career goals.
In October 2023, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania awarded $140,000 in grants to 14 schools in our region, benefiting nearly 5,000 students. This funding, made possible by the Arconic Foundation, aims to enhance STEM programs across the region, giving students like Clark access to unique resources and learning opportunities.
Upon hearing about the STEM School Champions grant program, Bethel Park technology education teacher Brad Kszatowski applied for funding for equipment that would “tie all the subjects in the school together.” With the support of Mandi Figliolli, coordinator of curriculum school and instruction for Bethel Park School District, the application was successful, allowing the school to acquire a drone, slow-motion camera, infrared camera and a borescope. These scientific tools serve multiple purposes, making connections between various fields of study while broadening students’ career prospects.
“This grant allowed us to go above and beyond. We want to connect kids to careers in trades and sciences, and these resources will help us do just that,” says Figliolli.
Pennsylvania House of Representatives member Dave Madsen (D-104, serving Dauphin County), drafted House Bill 1549, to help tenants who are displaced to unsafe conditions. The Post-Gazette reached out to United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to ask what we’re hearing through the 211 helpline and from partner agencies. United Way’s Sally Ellwein, director of Meeting Basic Needs, and Michele Breisinger, senior director of the PA 211 Southwest contact center, shared their insights.
Sally: When people are forced to leave their home because it is uninhabitable, they may not have time to search and consider factors about where they’re moving to, especially when there are health violations that put someone in immediate danger. There is often not a whole lot of choice in where to go next.
Michele: Usually, tenants will contact their landlord initially to address any issues they may have. If the issue cannot be resolved with the landlord, they might seek assistance from legal resources for landlord-tenant disputes. If legal resources are unable to help, the tenant may need to consider vacating the property. In cases where the home is considered uninhabitable, individuals may attempt to move in with friends or family members who are also renters. However, this action could potentially violate their lease terms and conditions, leading to the possibility of the friend or family member getting evicted.
Sally: Broadening to eviction in general, when tenants are displaced, it is hugely disruptive and expensive. If renters are in subsidized housing, then it’s often difficult to find a new place because there are not enough subsidized units to meet demand. The number one concern for them is avoiding homelessness. Displaced renters don’t have the luxury of looking for a safe neighborhood with good schools. They’re looking for the next place they can afford so they’re not subjecting their family to being unhoused.
Michele: Health code violations are typically what triggers this. Examples include sewage backing up the basement, a roof leak, or a broken furnace. Mold is another issue that can trigger the need to suddenly move.
Sally: ACTION-Housing, Just Mediation and Neighborhood Legal Services are good places for people to turn if they need help. And, 211 is always here as a resource.
If you know someone who is facing homelessness or eviction, encourage them to dial 211, text their zip code to 828-211.
Last night United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council hosted Celebrate to Elevate, our annual event that brings us together to experience what it truly means to be a part of this incredible group. And it was filled to the brim with excitement and energy.
We learned first-hand how United Way’s work benefits women and children, participating in hands-on activities like packing period products to help girls stay in school and women to show up to work with dignity, the Tough Choices simulation where we strategized how to run a household on an extremely tight budget and the Outcomes in Action activity where we sharpened our knowledge and uncovered the work that United Way does to help women and children in our region.
We had the opportunity to network, indulge in food stations, bid on raffle baskets, record video testimonials, laugh in the photo booth and genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
And that exciting announcement: thanks to your participation in our recent member survey, we heard you. You told us that you deeply value the connection, the networking and the sisterhood. And that you want us to be as welcoming as possible. You told us that we must be a big tent, open to women across all dimensions of diversity, from age, gender expression, race, ability, and stage in career and life. You want us to be crystal clear that we are working with United Way to support women and children. You told us that this group unites women—wherever they may be in life—to connect, find their passion and make an impact. We deserve a name that fully captures that impact. (…)
As Director of Moving to Financial Stability at United Way, Alena Anderson invests in partner agencies that help people earn a living wage and develop the tools they need to build wealth and fulfill their full potential. As a single mother, she understands the work that goes into making ends meet. Here she talks about United Way’s Free Tax Prep program, which helps households earning $65,000 or less maximize their refunds, and how she hopes families will use the program to keep what they’ve earned.
Q: Can you tell us about your experience navigating the financial challenges of being a working mom while also raising two daughters?
A: Oh, absolutely! Being a mom to two teenage girls definitely comes with its own set of hurdles, especially when it comes to managing the ever-changing needs (and expenses) of each season. From back-to-school supplies in the fall to the scramble for affordable summer activities, it seems like there’s always something demanding attention and money. And let’s not forget the stress of tax season on top of it all!
Q: How did you handle the stress of tax season while raising your daughters?
A: Tax season was always a particularly stressful time for me as a working mom. Filing taxes can be a headache, and when you’re anxiously awaiting a refund that might not be as much as you hoped, it adds an extra layer of worry. Plus, paying for tax preparation services can be costly. I remember feeling stuck, trying to find quick refunds to cover my family’s immediate needs while grappling with those extremely high fees.
Jim Roddey, our region’s first county executive, was a friend to many, including United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and he will be greatly missed. Jim chaired our 1988 campaign, which raised $34.3 million for the community. He also served as board chair from 1990 to 1992. Jim was a legendary and thoughtful advocate whose dedication to service and civility made him a bridgebuilder. Nobody could tell a joke quite like Jim, whose humor broke down barriers and brought people together. We honor Jim’s legacy of public service and philanthropy and remain inspired by his dedication to community. United Way joins with voices across our region in honoring Jim Roddey’s ability to bring people together for the betterment of the entire community.
To read more about Jim, click here.
Food insecurity has been and remains a serious issue across the nation. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), initiated in 1933, stands as a critical federal program designed to support low- and no-income individuals and families in accessing essential food items. Currently, 2 million Pennsylvanians benefit from SNAP food assistance.
Yet, while SNAP benefits have been a lifeline for so many, it’s important to recognize that not all essential items that families need are covered. At United Way, we call this the “SNAP gap” — the shortfall that occurs when essentials that people need aren’t SNAP-eligible.
“Many people are surprised to learn that SNAP benefits, while critically important to healthy nutrition, do not apply to essential personal items that allow people to show up with dignity and confidence,” said Sally Ellwein, director of Meeting Basic Needs at United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. SNAP Gap items include shampoo, household and cleaning supplies, medicine and even period products.
Overcoming this gap is a challenge for many families in southwestern Pennsylvania, impacting their overall well-being and their budgets.
